First Legal Sports Bet in Michigan – And They Bet On MSU

Rep. Brandt Iden (R-Portage) spent four and a half years trying to get in-person sports betting legalized in the state of Michigan. So, guess who was first in line at the MGM Grand Detroit Casino when it became legal, Wednesday at 1 p.m.?

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According to MLive.com, Rep. Iden bet $100 that Michigan State would win the Big Ten Basketball Tournament. If they win, Iden will collect $350. (No pressure, Sparty) This way will be much safer than dealing with bookies. Meeting them in parking lots. Handing a guy who you don't know a bunch of cash. Hoping if you win, your friend, who says he knows the bookie and it's no big deal, will pick up your money and get it to you with no problems.

Not that I have any experience with something like this. According to Rep. Iden,

This is to ensure people don’t have to go to their bookies anymore. People aren’t going to get legs broken for not paying their bills.

So, that's a bonus.

MGM and Greektown Casino started Wednesday. Motor City Casino gets going at 10:00 a.m. today. As for the tribal casinos, most are expected to start in-person sports betting within the next few weeks or months with no specific dates yet. Online gaming should happen sometime in 2021. In-person sports betting is expected to bring in nearly $20 million to Michigan.